Unlike other games of chance, poker involves a fair amount of strategy and probability. A player’s decisions are made based on their beliefs about the probabilities of getting certain hands, how to read their opponents, and game theory. This means that good players can improve their win-rate by making small adjustments to their play based on the experience they gain over time.

One way to do this is by learning to calculate pot odds and percentages quickly and quietly at the table. The best players have several other skills too: they’re patient, they can read other players well, and they can adapt their game to different situations and bet sizes.

Another way to improve your poker game is by spending a lot of time studying away from the table. This should include reading strategy books and discussing your hands with other players to get a more objective perspective on your play.

In addition, practice playing and watching hands to develop quick instincts. A good way to do this is by using the replay feature of your poker site or software, but don’t just review hands that went badly – watch a lot of successful ones too!

Finally, don’t be afraid to call a bet when you think your hand can beat it. This will force weaker hands out of the pot and improve the overall value of your pot. However, if you’re not confident in your hand, it’s usually better to fold and let someone else take the action.